Rays bring the heat to Brothers 7s

By JOHN PANGKATANA
THE Daru Stingrays are coming with plenty of speed to burn for this weekend’s Brothers 40th anniversary rugby union sevens tournament at Monier Rugby Park in Port Moresby.
The Stingrays with the likes of national sevens representative Lloyd Kepa, pictured, are known for their speed and exciting brand of rugby, and add another dimension to the competitive edge of the Kramer Ausenco-sponsored tournament.
The Stingrays will add their own flavour among a host of strong contenders which include favourites Kimbe Rebels (West New Britain), Black Orchids (Bougainville), Aroma Coast (Central), Morobe Hammerheads and the Goroka Kilituas.
Daru Rugby Union president Kerry Gera said the Brothers tournament was an excellent lead up for their campaign at the National Provincial Championships the following weekend.
Kera made special mention of the funding assistance by Western governor Ati Wobiro for their trip and administratively as well.
He said the funding would see them participate in the 15s championships in June as well.
The Stingrays, who brought their 15s team late last year to win one of two matches against the more experienced Capital Rugby Union XV in the Southern trials, are looking to thrill their supporters again in the two tournaments.
Stingrays coach Iko Maisare said apart from three experienced hands in former Southern Traders Bisai Pude and Kepa, plus Ratu Kloney, they had a host of young stars they want to expose. “We have included a potential star in Anu Wakia, who comes from Sigabadu village on the mainland,” Maisare said.
“He is going to test any defence with his spped.”
Maisare said Wakia was one of their rural talents that impressed Papua New Guinea Rugby Football Union development officer Sailosi Druma on his visit to Daru Island last year.
The other players in the Stingrays squad are Thomas James, Greyson Sauna, Emmanuel Narua, Seki Sisa, Elda David, Job Maruse, Frank Banai and Setia Henry.